HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS: Here is this week’s Sound Off, about watering while raining:

“I get so frustrated when I see sprinklers going while it is raining. It is such a waste of water. I understand that some businesses and apartment complexes have them automatically set, but there should be some way to bypass it for the day if it is raining. Here in Texas,we have to conserve so often, we shouldn’t waste it!” - A Reader in Texas

DEAR READERS: Here are other uses for extra pillowcases:

Place over couch cushions to protect them from stains.

Use to store extra sheet sets or seasonal clothes.

As a small laundry bag.

Put in a pet’s favorite spot to collect hair.

Carry in a diaper bag for dirty clothes.

DEAR HELOISE: Could you please reprint your recipe for Heloise’s Pumpkin Bread? - Sandy in Wisconsin

DEAR READER: This is a great recipe that I’ve made fora long time. Here it is: 1 2/ 3 cups flour 1 1/ 4 cups sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/ 2 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/ 4 teaspoon salt 1/ 2 cup chopped pecans 2 eggs, slightly beaten 1/ 2 cup salad oil 1 cup canned pumpkin

Mix the dry ingredients together, then add the nuts and mix well. Put that mixture aside.Mix the wet ingredients together and add to the dry mixture. Stir just enough to blend. Don’t overmix! Grease and flour a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan. Pour the mixture into the pan and bake at 350 for 60-75 minutes.

Need baking powder and don’t have any? Mix 1/ 4 teaspoon baking soda and 1/ 2 teaspoon cream of tartar for a baking powder substitute.

DEAR HELOISE: I have a hint regarding the “Box Tops for Education” that you mentioned. I have a young child who is not yet school age, but I still save the box tops. I figured out what year my child will be attending school and look at the expiration date. I keep them in two bags: one for those that won’t expire before he goes to school, and those that I pass along to friends with kids in school. I have a nice collection that I’m eventually going to give to my child’s school.

  • Sean in San Antonio Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email [email protected]

ActiveStyle, Pages 28 on 12/23/2013

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